MIRA MAKES A STRONG COMMITMENT TO FIGHT HIV/AIDS

Expanded use of new media and online information launched in partnership with AIDS.gov

Jackson, MS- June 9, 2010 - Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance (MIRA) is launching an HIV/AIDS campaign this month to educate young Latinos about the growing rate of HIV/AIDS in the Latino community.

“Espera y Piensa” (Stop and Think) is a 12-week campaign that will utilize new media as a way to reach out to immigrants between the ages of 18 and 35.  MIRA will send approximately 500 text messages weekly, which will direct Latinos to online resources that provide lifesaving information about HIV/AIDS and local testing resources.  Additionally, 4 radio shows will air on WMPR FM 90.1’s Tiempo Latino radio program as part of the campaign.  In conjunction with the effort, the MIRA website and facebook page will serve as a hub for resources and information through bi-lingual podcasts and videos.

This campaign is part of the AIDS.gov extended effort to respond to the HIV/AIDS crisis in the United States. Every 6 seconds someone new is diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, and approximately18 % of new diagnoses are Latino.   According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated one in five people living with HIV in the United States do not know they are infected.  This campaign aims to increase awareness, knowledge, and prevention of the disease within the Latino community.

Espera Y Piensa will partner with other state organizations to highlight 4 key messages: “HIV/AIDS Exists Among Latinos”, “Protect Yourself”, “Support People Living with HIV/AIDS”, and “Know Your Status.” Bill Chandler, executive director of MIRA, said, “MIRA is proud to partner with AIDS.gov and other state organizations, such as the Mississippi State Department of Health, to provide current, relevant information to communities hit hard by the HIV/AIDS.”

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The Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance (MIRA) is a non-profit  membership-based alliance, which guarantees the human rights of immigrants and all workers in Mississippi.

Funding for this campaign is made possible in part by AIDS.gov, a program of U.S. HHS, Office of HIV/AIDS Policy. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the HHS or AIDS. Gov; nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. government.

For Further information:

Ulises Hernandez
601-968-5182